In need of Rescue

I am a passionate advocate for rescue animals, I have experienced the needs and love of several rescued pets. My dog, now 7-year-old ‘Kiwi’ was so abused by a former male owner in her first year of life, That she would shake in fear at the sound of any deep Male voice. Our first 24 hours together was freighting for her and heartbreaking for me. Ultimately, I won her trust and love, and a few months later she was desensitized to the Male voices that once so frightened her.

I began this project curious about the needs of these pets who have fallen through the cracks during this Covid 19 period. I quickly discovered that of the 5 rescue kennels that I visited I was only allowed access to 1 where I might take photos. The other 4 sites were only allowing access to potential adaptors by appointment only as caution for Covid still remains a big concern.

Statistical study of the impact of Covid on Animal shelters conducted by affinity.org. [https://www.fundacion-affinity.org/en/observatory/study-impact-covid-animal-shelters-infographi] . reveal a mixed tale.

The sample included 102 animal shelters reporting’s during the period of April 2020. The data shows that 39% of the shelters reported a decrease in adoptions, while 22% of the shelters reported an increase, the remaining 39% reported no change. The numbers in lost or surrendered dogs was a bit more encouraging with 52% of the shelters reporting a decrees. (41% -No change / 7% increase). The resulting changes that these shelters have had to make appear to fall under the category as doing the best that they can. Yet, the issue of these lost and unwanted animals remains a great concern.

My Vist to the sites

Sadly, this is NOT a no-kill shelter. Serving as an Ironic metaphor is the Largest Animal shelter in NE Ohio. Hidden beneath the Valley View Bridge on HWY 480 in an industrial parkway.

Lost and abandoned Dogs are the task of local municipalities. Here Ravenna's Animal warden has returned to “process” another stray dog. The owner has 72 hours to claim their lost pet otherwise it will be available for adoption as long as the shelter is not at capacity, A sad fate awaits these pets when full capacity is met.

The Kennel Tour (Ravenna Dog Warden)

The Kennel is loud with the sounds of frantic barking. There were 20 Cells in the Kennel and 16 of them were occupied. I was only allowed to photograph those who were cleared for adoption. The barking subsided after I waited a short period before attempting to take photos. Although humanly treated, I could not help but to equate the conditions of these innocent souls to that of incarcerated felons. Their desperation is evident in their behavior and is revealed on their faces.

In the first Cell, I was greeted by these sad eyes.

One cell over was another anxious soul who had spilled her bowl of kibble with the excitement of a rare visit.

Ears pinned back, this fellow was not fully trusting of my intentions. It was hard to get a picture of him as he displayed anxious energy by constantly jumping against his caged door.

Another sad set of hopeful eyes met me at the next cell. These dogs are not given names only identification numbers. I noticed a trend that would be confirmed on my visit. 100% of the processed and available dogs at this shelter were of a single misunderstood breed (Pit Bull)

Steel and Concrete are of no comfort while pondering their fate.

Desperate to escape! And with reason, I learned from the shelter keeper that the hardest dogs to place into a new home were Pitbulls, Surprisingly the second hardest dog to place into a new home is ANY dog with a primary Black colored coat. This poor girl seemed doubly doomed and her desire to escape seemed warranted.

Dog #161892 had been here awaiting a new beginning for over 53 days. Confirming the difficulty of finding a new home for a Black Pitbull.

This unnamed beauty wanted to be anywhere but here. According to the info on her cage she had been in the shelter for 5 + months now.

Volunteers

Volunteers are the angles of mercy for these creatures. I met “Robert” who was walking this 1-year-old pitbull Leroy outside of the Cuyahoga facility where I was denied access to photograph the dogs.

When rescued owners get together they often speak of their adoption experience similarly, they often question “ Who Rescued Who”

Robert has 3 rescued dogs at home, when I asked him why he chose to be a volunteer at the shelter he openly confessed that he has had substance abuse issues in his past, Now in retirement, he found that his rescued pets and his volunteer work are the saving graces that allow him to live addiction free.

“Who Saved Who”…Indeed.